2016 Gift Guide

I had so much fun curating gift guides the last two years, that I’ve been waiting all year to do it again! As with previous years, the 2016 gift guide is full of fun, food related (and often times science-y) gift ideas that I think are really cool. Most of them are fun, cute, or funny because that’s just the type of thing I enjoy when it comes to gifts, so if you have someone on your list that is a little goofy, you might find something useful here!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase upon my recommendation the seller thanks me with a small percentage of the sale. I was not paid by any person or company to include the items on this list.

Links, descriptions, and my opinions on the items in this year’s gift guide below…

Kitchen Gadgets and Tools

Thank You Insulated Lunch Bag – I’m a huge fan of replacing disposable items with reusables, and this lunch bag design is super fun. And the price is reasonable!

Science Flask Oil & Vinegar Dispensers – As a previous laboratory worker, I love it when kitchen and lab ware mix. These Oil and Vinegar flasks are too cute. They also make salt and pepper dispensers, if you’re not an oil & vinegar type person.

Rub Away Bar – You know how when someone has bad breath and you tell them on the sly by offering to share your gum? Gifting this Rub Away Bar is kind of the same thing but different, LOL. I’ll be honest, I have no idea if it works, but if rubbing this piece of metal can remove hand odors like it says it does, I think any cook could use one!

Cookbooks

Culinary Reactions – Hi, it’s the scientist in me again. Half the fun of cooking is watching the science happen. This cookbook explains, in scientific terms, how and why recipes work. It’s very much like a textbook I had in college, except probably way more fun to read. ;)

The Science of Good Cooking – America’s Test Kitchen is kind of the go-to source for all things science in the kitchen, so this is an even deeper dive into the subject, for all you die-hard science or food geeks (like me!).

American Cake – If you saw my blog post for the Applesauce Cake recipe from in this book, then you know that I L-O-V-E this book. It is full of gorgeous photos and fascinating history about our country and the desserts that represent the times. This one is for the history buffs and cake lovers!

The Mac + Cheese Cookbook – Everything you ever needed to know about mac & cheese. And who wouldn’t want to know everything about mac & cheese?? If anything else, get this one to just drool over the photos. #cheeeeese

Fun Stuff

Mason Jar Herb Garden Gift Set – The perfect size for small apartments! These little jars will fit on windowsill so you can (hopefully) have free, fresh herbs to cook with. YAY!

Meal Planning Magnets – These fun little magnets are a great way to make a visual meal plan and maybe get the kids involved! You can pick from images on the list, or custom order magnets with photos of your favorite recipes. The store owner is also giving my readers a 10% discount on orders in December with the discount code “budgetbytes”.

Put An Egg On It – If you have an egg lover on your list, you gotta check out these t-shirts I made. Well, t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and aprons! There are a variety of colors, fabrics, and t-shirt styles to choose from!

And here are a few things from Society6.com, a site that I LOVE! It’s full of amazing creative work and it supports independent artists. #win Most of the items on this site can be printed on a variety of products, so browse around!

I have a Rub Away Bar and can verify that it works!! Totally removes the smell of fresh chopped garlic and onion from your hands. I squirt a little dish soap on it and wash my hands as with a bar of soap after chopping garlic or onion.

Hi! I’m Beth

As a food lover and a number cruncher I've decided that cooking on a budget shouldn't mean canned beans and ramen noodles night after night. Join me for delicious recipes designed for small budgets. More »